White House 'absolutely' condemns Kenya violence, urges 'appropriate use of force'

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The White House "absolutely" condemned on Wednesday the use of violence against protesters in Kenya after nearly two dozen people were shot dead when demonstrators sought to storm parliament.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby offered Washington's "deepest condolences" to the families of those killed and injured, and urged "restraint so that no further Kenyans are put in harm's way while exercising their right to peaceful public assembly."

"That right is protected by the Kenyan Constitution, and we believe it must be respected," he told reporters.

"The United States has been in touch with the Kenyan government to urge appropriate use of force by the police to respect human rights and, quite frankly, to respect due process for those that have been detained, and we will continue to push for calm to prevail," he added.

At least 23 people were killed when police opened fire Tuesday, and 20 others are currently listed in critical condition.

In response to the escalating violence, a lawsuit has been filed against Defense Minister Aden Duale, for the military's involvement in quelling the protests.

The situation in Nairobi remains tense with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of injured protestors. The death toll is expected to rise as additional critical cases are being treated.

Kenyan President William Ruto said Wednesday he would not sign a controversial tax bill that prompted demonstrators to storm parliament on Tuesday. The legislation would have increased taxes and exacerbated the cost of living.

"Having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill 2024, and listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede, and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn," Ruto said at a news conference at the State House in Nairobi.

"People lost their lives and it is very unfortunate. I wish that would not have happened," he added.

The chaos had led the government to deploy the military to deal with the situation. A high court canceled the order for the deployment.